Good weekend on two fronts

Crowhurst Park wicketkeeper Kellen Powell looks on as an Eastbourne batsman lines up a drive. Picture by Stephen Curtis (e23092p)

The Telham-based club ended Eastbourne’s 100 per cent record in Sussex Cricket League Division Two by holding on for a draw and then edged through to the East Sussex final of the National Village Cup.

On Saturday, they travelled to table-topping Eastbourne, who set a huge total of 276-4 declared with former Hastings Priory batsman Toby Finzel scoring a century. Paul Brookes was the most successful bowler with 2-18, while Richard Coleman and Paul Lindfield picked up a wicket each.

Park’s run chase began poorly, losing Martin Barry to the first ball of the innings and Ed Smissen shortly afterwards before Dale Payne (26) and Kellen Powell (45) put on 66 for the third wicket.

All of a sudden, however, Park found themselves 78-5 and then 93-7. Brookes and Lindfield then put on 79 until both fell in the same over, but Colin Ayres and Coleman survived the last six overs to secure the draw at 194-9.

The next day, Park visited old East Sussex League rivals Rottingdean in the National Village Cup. Clive Tong top-scored with 58 and Bradley Payne made 42 as Park were all out for 162 batting first.

With the ball, Smissen (3-34) and Payne (3-30) had the best figures as Park bowled out their opponents for 153 to win by nine runs. Park will host ambitious East Sussex League outfit Mayfield on Sunday June 16 with the Lord’s dream still very much alive.

For full reports on both matches, see Friday’s Observer.